Multiple immunolabeling in histology: a new method using thermo-inactivation of immunoglobulins

We describe a new method for successive immunofluorescence detection of multiple peptides in single paraffin tissue sections. Immunoglobulins were inactivated at 130 degrees C after each labeling step while tissues were protected with a mixture of phosphate-buffered saline and glycerin. The feasibility of the method is demonstrated by double-staining of rat pituitary corticotrophs with anti-ACTH[1-24] and anti-ACTH[17-39] antiserum. The method is applicable to brain tissue, since single neurons of ovine paraventricular hypothalamus could be triple stained with anti-vasopressin, anti-neurophysins I and II, and anti-CRF antiserum. The usual absorption controls and crossreactivity tests, as well as peptide staining, can be performed on the same tissue section. This new labeling procedure should prove useful in endocrinology, clinical pathology, and the neurosciences.